In brief
Names Unknown:
- only collects the information needed to assess and carry out your search
- only uses it for that purpose
- does not sell or share your information
- works with sensitive personal and family information and treats it with care and discretion
- uses access to each client’s DNA results and/or family trees solely for the client’s case and removes it when the work is complete
Who we are
This website is operated by Names Unknown. It provides genealogical research services, specialising in identifying unknown family members using DNA and historical records.
This work often involves sensitive personal and family information. The information is treated with care, discretion, and respect at all times.
What information we collect
We collect personal information in the following ways:
Information you provide directly: details submitted through the application or contact forms (such as your name, email address, and information about your situation)
DNA and account access (with your permission):
- Access to your DNA results on third-party platforms (such as Ancestry)
- Access to your online family trees where you grant me editor or viewing rights
Technical information: basic website analytics (such as page visits), collected in a standard, non-identifying way
How we use your information
Names Unknown uses your information to:
- Assess whether its lead researcher can assist with your search
- Carry out genealogical research
- Communicate with you about your enquiry or project
- Deliver the services you have requested.
Names Unknown does not sell or rent your personal information.
Your information may be handled by trusted third-party service providers (such as form, email, and hosting services) solely to support the delivery of our service.
DNA data and third-party platforms
Names Unknown does not collect or store your DNA data directly.
Any DNA analysis is carried out using access you provide via third-party platforms (such as Ancestry). Your data remains subject to the terms and privacy policies of those platforms.
Access and permissions
Where you grant Names Unknown access to your DNA results or family tree:
- Access is used only for the purpose of your research
- Names Unknown will not make changes beyond what is necessary for the agreed work
- Names Unknown will not share your data with others without your permission
- Names Unknown will not contact your DNA matches without your permission.
Data retention
Application and correspondence records are kept only as long as needed to provide services and maintain appropriate business records.
Where you grant access to your DNA results or family tree, that access will be removed once your search is complete, or at your request.
How your information is stored
Your information is stored securely using reputable third-party services (such as form providers and email systems). Names Unknown relies on the security measures of these providers to protect your information.
Third-party services and overseas storage
Names Unknown uses reputable third-party services to operate this website and deliver my services (such as form providers, email systems, and genealogy platforms).
These services may store or process your information outside New Zealand.
Where this occurs, Names Unknown relies on the published privacy and security standards of the reputable service providers it has selected.
Your rights
Under New Zealand’s Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:
- Request access to the personal information Names Unknown holds about you
- Request correction of that information
You can do this by contacting Names Unknown via the Contact page.
Contact
If you have any questions about this policy or your information, please get in touch via the Contact page.
Updates
This policy may be updated from time to time. The latest version will always be available on this page.